Car truck



Jan. 26, 1932. w. F: RICHARDS CAR TRUCK 1926 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed Sept. 14

v f TUV KAQ F Jan. 56,1932. w. F. RICHARDS 1,843,069

CAR TRUCK Filed Sept. 14, 1926 2 Sheets-Sheet 2.

Patented Jan. 26, 1932 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE WILLARD F. RICHARDS, OF DEPEW, NEW YORK, ASSIGNOR TO THE GOULD COUPLER COMPANY, OF NEW YORK, N. Y., A. CORPORATION OF MARYLAND CAR TRUCK Application filed September 14, 1926. Serial No. 185,442.-

v orally considered, is the provision of car trucks formed as side frames in which the bolster guide columns, at the lower portions thereof, are rigidlyconnected by anantegral bridge or girder extending longitudinally of a the frame and dividing that portion of the tension member serving for supporting the bolster springs into two parts, said girder being alternatively provided with an intermediate enlarged portion adapted for receiving an additional spring unit. I

An object of my invention is the provision of what may be designated as a girder type side frame, said side frame being formed with a window opening partially closed by an upright longitudinal bridge wall or girder joining the lower portions of the bolster guide columns and extending from the spring seat portion of the tension member.

Another object of my invention is the provision of a side frame formed with a bridge wall extending from the spring seating portion and between the struts or bolster guide columns, thereby restricting the bolster opening, with means for locking the bolster in placeabove said bridge wall. said means comprising blocks or keys insertable through slots in or between portions of the bolster guide columns into corresponding notches in the bolster and preferably supported on said bridge wall and locked in place by transverse- 1y extending pins or the like. I

A further object of my invention is the provision of a east side frame formed with a rigidifying hollow bridge wall joining the 40 lower portions of the bolster guide columns, the intermediate portion of the tension 1nember between said guide columns being widened and alternatively formed with upstanding flanges along the outer edges thereof supporting and retaining in proper position the bolster springs, said bolster being preferably supported on a spring plate capping the tops of said springs and held in place by longitudinally movable locking keys engaging in corresponding notches adjacent the end of said bolster, said bolster being adapted for adjustment in height by the insertion of a simple block shim above the spring plate.

A still further object of my invention is the provision of an unusually strong side frame in which a relatively small bolster opening is provided, whereby the tension member therebeneath may be formed of unusually great depth and strength, the bolster being held in place above said tension member by readily removable locking keys whereby assembly and disengagement of the parts is facilitated.

Other objects and advantages of the invention relating to the particular arrangement and combination of the various parts will become apparent as the description proceeds.

Referring to the drawings illustrating my invention, the scope whereof is defined by the appended claims:

Figure 1 is a partial side elevation of a truck illustrating one embodiment of my invention,a portion of a side frame thereof being shown in central longitudinal section.

Figure 2 is a horizontal sectional view on the line 22 of Figure 1, the bolster, locking keys and spring plate being omitted.

Figure 3 is a transverse sectional view on the line 33 of Figure 1 looking in the direction of the arrows.

Figure t is a transverse sectional view on the line 4l of Figure 1 looking in the direction of the arrows, the bolster, locking keys, spring plate and springs being omitted.

Figure 5 is a horizontal sectional view corresponding to Figure 2 but showing another embodiment of my invention.

Figure 6 is a partial transverse sectional view on the line 66 of Figure 5 looking in the direction of the arrows.

Referring to the drawings in detail, like parts being designated by like reference characters and first considering the embodiment of my invention illustrated in Figures 1 to 4, inclusive, a part of a truck is shown including a side frame 1 of the cast type although it will be obvious that certain advanta es of my invention may be secured usin rames of other than cast construction. lthough only one sideframe is illustrated, it will be obvious that the complete truck comprises two frames, as usual. Said frame 1 comprises a compression member 2, a tension member 3, bolster guide colunms or strut portions 4, spacing intermediate portions of said compression and tension members, leaving a bolster or window opening 5 therebetween. The compression and tension members, in the present embodiment, are shown joined to each other and to a jaw shaped ortion 6 adjacent each end of the frame, w ich portions 6 may be adapted to embrace and be connected with associated journal boxes (not shown) or, if desired, may be formed integral with such journal boxes.

For rigidifying and strengthening the side frame, the lower portions of the bolster guide columns 4 are preferably rigidly connected by means of a bridge wall or girder 7, said girder, in the present embodiment, bein formed with upright web portions 8 joine at the top by a transverse substantially horizontal web portion 9, said girder 7 extending from the upper web 10 of the intermediate or substantially horizontal portion 11 of the tension member 3. The bolster guiding portions of the'bolster guide columns 4, at opposite ends of the bridge wall, are preferably each formed, as indicated particularly in Figure 2, as a pair of transversely spaced angular sections 12, said sections being joined by the upper web portion 9 of the bridge wall 7 extending therebetween. In the present em bodiment, the upper web 10 of the horizontal portion 11 of the tension member 3 is widened and reinforced at its extreme edges by upstanding flanges 13, said flanges 13 extending longitudinally of the frame for the major portion of their length and, adjacent their ends, being curved inwardly and flared upwardly to merge with the outstanding flanges 14 of the bolster guide columns 4. The bridge wall 7 likewise flares adjacent the ends thereof so that the upright walls 8 curve outwardly to join with the outer portions of the flanges 14 of the bolster guide columns, the connecting web 9 of said bridge wall flaring in a corresponding manner but, in the present embodiment, remaining substantially horizontal for its full length. On account of this construction, pockets 15 are formed one on each side of the girder 7 for receiving the bolster springs 16, indicated diagrammatically by dot and dash lines. In the present embodiment, sufiicient space is provided for receiving three spring units on each side of the bridgewall 7 although it is obvious that a desired number of spring units other than six may be provided for.

Instead of the A. R. A. bolster which might be adapted for use with a frame of the character disclosed, I show, on account of the double bridge wall or girder between the bolster guide columns and the increased spring capacity provided by six spring umts, a bolster 17 somewhat longer and wider and provided with notches 18 preferably corresponding in width to the distance between the angular portions 12 of the bolster guide columns. .After the springs have been positioned on the spring supporting portion 10 of the tension member, said springs being held in normal position by the Webs 8 of the bridge wall and the surrounding flanges 13 of said spring supporting portion 10, whereby the usual spring positioning bosses may be dispensed with, a spring plate 19, shown provided with depending flanges 20 and notched like the bolster, may be applied over the tops of said springs to form a support for the bolster 17. The bolster 17 may then be applied either directly on the spring plate 19 or with a plan shim formed of wood or other desired material applied above said plate for maintaining said bolster in prop erly adjusted position. The bolster and spring plate are then looked in proper position with respect to said frame by longitudinally movable keys or blocks 21, shown rectangular, of a thickness corresponding to the distance between the angular portions 12 of the bolster guide columns 4, and of a height corresponding to the distance between the top of the web 9 of the bridge wall 7 and the lower portion of the compression member 2, and particularly a guiding web 22 formed thereon. The width of the locking keys 21 preferably corresponds with the corresponding dimension of the bolster guide columns 1 plus a distance corresponding to the depth of the notches 18 in the bolster, whereby said keys 21 are adapted to extend from said bolster guide columns into notches 18 in the bolster and rest on the top of the web 9 of the bridge wall.

' For preventing undesired removal or displacement of the locking keys 21, the same may be apertured at 23 and registering apertures 24 provided in the bolster guide columns. Said apertures are preferably of such a size and position that they are adapted for receiving a pin 25, indicated diagrammatically by dot and dash lines in Figure 4, said pin 25 being preferably of a size corresponding with a brake hanger pin and of a length adapted to serve for supporting a bra e hanger (not shown) and/or for continuing through a corresponding aperture 26 in a brake hanger bracket 27, if used. It will be noted that only one locking pin 23 is necessary for each of the locking keys 21, as material angling of said keys is prevented by the engagement with the spaced portions 12 of the bolster guide columns 4 and with the horizontal web 9 of the bridge wall 7 and the lower web 22 on the compression member 2.

For economy of material and lightening the weight of the side frame, normally positioned apertures (not shown) may be provided in the webs 8 of the bridge Wall or girder 7, if desired, which apertures may also serve to facilitate core removal. In the same way, the box shaped substantially horizontal portion 11 of the tension member beneath the bridge wall 7 may be lightened and provided with core removing apertures, if desired. The spring supporting web 10 of the tension member, at its ends, may be tapered off gradually into the side walls of the tension member 3, thereby forming substantially triangular gusset portions 28. Those portions of the web 10, extending beyond the side walls of the tension member, are preferably reinforced by substantially triangular gusset portions 29 preferably positioned immediately below the spring units 16. The diagonal portions of the tension member 3, where they join the bolster guide columns 4, are preferably flared in depth to substantially the top of the bridge wall 7 as indicated particularly at 30. From a consideration of Figures 3 and 4, particularly, it will be noted that the upper web 10 of the tension member is not continued between the webs 8 of the bridge wall as it is replaced by the connecting web 9 positioned thereabove.

The compression member 2 is preferably of inverted U shape in cross section and beyond the bolster guide columns 4, in the present embodiment, is flared slightly to increase the depth thereof to where it joins with the jaw shaped portion 6 of the journal boxes and the tension member. Atthe same time, the compression member 2 is preferably sloped downward and outward to meet the tension member 3 where it slopes upward and outward, said tension member 3, in the present embodiment, being substantially U shape in cross section so that, upon meeting, said members form a section substantially box shape in cross section. Such a section, however, is not the most economical for the ends of the jaw shaped portion 6 of the frame so the side webs 31 are preferably caused to converge inwardly, while the top and bottom webs are only slightly tapered, and join a short distance beyond the center line of the jaw portion to form the single longitudinal web 32 of the outer jaw end thereby causing the sections of the jaw 6 to change from box to substantially H or I shape in cross section. The lower end of each jaw portion preferably tapers and the outer jaw section of each jaw is preferably provided with a horizontal aperture 33 which may serve to receive locking means for holding an associated journal box in position. The inner jaw portion 34. in the present embodiment, is shown substantially U shape in cross section rather than H or I shape in cross section and comprises a downward projection from the lower web of the corresponding diagonal end portion of the tension member.

Although said lower web is preferably curved around the jaw over the associated journal box, provision may be made for a substantial bearing area between the jaw and the flat top of the associated journal box by longitudinal and transverse ribbing 35 extended from the lower web or flange of the section and formed with the lower edges thereof substantially horizontal or lying in the same plane. The rounded jaw ends may be continued for strengthening the jaw portion 6 by internal curved webs or beads 36' serving to unite the inner jaw portion 34 with the corresponding outer jaw portion, as will be understood. If desired, transverse, preferably triangular. bracing webs 37 may be formed between the lower web or flange 38 of the jaw and the main upright web 32 thereof. Although the tension member 2 is generally inverted U shape in cross section, the lower edges of the depending flanges thereof may be rigidified by inturned ribs or heading 39 merging at their outer ends with the corresponding beading 40 on the upper edges of the upstanding side flanges of the tension member 3.

Referring now to the modification of my invention illustrated in Figures 5 and 6, I have there shown a side frame 1 of a construction similar to that of the side frame 1 of the first embodiment except that the bridge wall or girder portion 7 is formed with an intermediate bulge 41 serving for receiving a centrally positioned spring unit 16. A preferable construction for this purpose comprises curving the upright web portions 8 of the bridge wall 7 outwardly to form a pocket 42 therebetween, defined by portions spaced more widely than normal, for the reception of the central or intermediate spring unit 16, said spring unit being preferably sup ported by a continuation 43 between the spring supporting portions 10 of the tension member 3 In order to provide for positioning the spring 16 in place, an aperture 44 is preferably provided in the upper web 9 of the bridge wall 7 The bolster guiding portions 12 of the bolster guide columns 4 are shown with cross sections slightly diflerent from that of the first embodiment, that is, instead of being angular in cross section, they are substantially U shape in section with outer webs 4:5 and inwardly extending flanges 46 which serve to guide the locking blocks or keys 21 (not shown) as in the previous embodiment. In the present embodiment, outer spring positioning flanges corresponding to those b marked 13 of the first embodiment have been omitted and spring ositioning bosses 47 substituted therefor. e inner bosses 47 or those on the inner side of the frame 1' may be formed to serve as spring plank squaring lugs for connecting an associated spring plank 48 to the side frame 1. The spring plank 48 has side flan es reduced in height at the end portions, w ich end portions are widened, preferably formed with outwardly openin notches to accommodate the bulges -41 in t e brid e walls 7 of the associated frames, and a apted to seat on the frames beneath the bolster openings for the support of the associated sprin If this construc- 29 tion is employed, the mner portion of the spring supporting web 10 may be formed lower than the outer portion thereof so that the top of the spring lank 48 may be at the same elevation as t e top of the outer section of the spring supporting portion 10. In the present embodiment, only five s ring units are shown, two supported on t e outer section of the spring supporting web, two on the spring plank 48 and one between the webs 8 of the irder 7 although it is obvious that the num er of spring units may be varied if desired. It will be ap-' parent that, if desired, a s ring plank may be used with the first em odiment in the same manner in which it is used with the second embodiment of my invention or spring surrounding flanges in accordance with those designated by the reference character 13 of the first embodiment may be used in connection with the second embodiment.

In accordance with the foregoing disclosure, it will be apparent that I have devised an improved car truck and associated side frame in which increased spring capacity has been provided while, at the same time, the maintenance of the required coupler height has been allowed for a simple shimming operation. One of the main advantages of the construction is that the strength of the frame is greatly increased by the longitudinal girder or bridge wall joinin the lower portions of the bolster guide co umns. This bridge wall not only strengthens the frame but is preferably formed of such a height that it limits the downward movement of the bolster so as to prevent the bolster springs from beingcompressed solid with consequent danger of breakage. Although I have shown but two co embodiments of my invention, one of which employs six spring units and the other of which employs five spring units, it is obvious that a great variet .in spring capacity may be provided for eit er by forming all of said spring units single or double or some single and some double in any desired arrangement or a different number of spring units may be employed.

preferred method of assembling the bolster with respect to the side frame is as follows. With the spring plank in place, if used, the springs are a plied over the spring supporting portion 0 the tension member and held in position either by the flanges 13 or corresponding spring bosses 47. A spring plate 19, if used, is then applied over the springs, the bolster inserted between the bolster guiding portions 12 and supported on said spring plate with the notches 18 therein registering with the spaces between the bolster guiding portions 12. The bolster locking keys are then inserted longitudinally of the frame through the spaces between the bolster guiding portions 12 above the web 9 of the girder 7 until the apertures 23 therein register with the apertures 24 in the bolster guiding portions 12 where they are retained in proper assembled position by means of the pins 25. When assembled, as described, the bolster is securely maintained in proper relation with respect to the side frame while, at the same time, provision is made for the necessary verticle movement thereof. If the bolster is too low, simple shims may be provided between the same and the tops of the springs, whereby the coupler may be maintained at normal elevation. It will be apparent that the assemblage of the parts may be effected rapidly with very little trouble and, when assembled, the parts may be separated in the reverse order.

Having now described my invention, I claim:

1. A side frame comprising a compression member, a tension member, struts interposed therebetween and spaced to leave a bolster opening, and a bridge wall connecting said struts below said bolster opening and adapted to limit the downward movement of the bolster.

2. A side frame comprising a compression member, a tension member, bolster guide columns positioned therebetween and spaced apart to leave a bolster opening, the lower portions of said bolster guide columns being connected by a longitudinally extending wall serving to strengthen the frame and limit downward movement of the bolster.

3. A side frame comprising a compression member, a tension member spaced at intermediate portions thereof by bolster guide columns leaving a window opening therebetween, that portion of the tension member, beneath the window opening, being laterally widened for supporting bolster springs, and a bridge wall connecting said bolster guide columns above the spring supporting portion of the tension member of such a height as to limit downward movement of the portions by bolster guide columns leaving a bolster opening therebetween, said tension member being formed with a spring supporting portion beneath said bolster opening and the lower portions of the bolster guide columns being connected by a longitudinal central wall of a height greater than the solid height of the springs, adapted to be supported on the spring seating portion of the tension member, whereby said springs are prevented from going solid in service.

5. A side frame comprising a compression member, a tension member, bolster guide columns interposed between said compression and tension members and spaced to leave a window opening therebetween, those portions of the tension member, beyond the bolster guide columns, extending diagonally upward and outward to join the compression member adjacent the ends thereof, and a girder connecting the lower portions of said bolster guide columns, said girder being formed as a plurality of walls extending longitudinally of the frame and joined at their top edges by a substantially horizontal web portion, the top of said web portion being positioned at such a height to prevent associated bolster springs from going solid while, at the same time, permitting a substantial compression thereof.

6. A side frame comprising a compression member, a tension member, bolster guide columns positioned therebetween and spaced apartto leave a bolster opening, each of said bolster columns comprising a plurality of portions spaced transversely to leave a longitudinal aperture therebetween, a longitudinal bridge wall joining; each of said spaced portions of the bolster guide columns, the tops of said walls being connected by a transverse web which is continued to also serve for connecting the spaced portions of the bolster guide columns.

7. A side frame comprising a compression member, a tension member, struts interposed therebetween and spaced to leave a bolster opening, and a bridge wall connecting said struts beneath said bolster opening, said bridge wall comprising a pair of longitudinally extending webs joined at their tops by a substantially horizontal web portion, said longitudinally extending webs being spaced a uniform distance apart for the major portion of their length and, adjacent their ends, being curved outwardly to join with the outer portions of the struts, said horizontal web portion being correspondingly flared and joined with said struts.

8. A side frame comprising a compression member and a tension member spaced at intermediate portions thereof by bolster guide columns, leaving a window opening therebetween, said tension member, on the opposite sides of said bolster guide columns, extending diagonally upward and outward, meeting the compression member, that portion of the tension member, beneath the Window opening, being laterally widened for supporting bolster springs, and a bridge wall connecting said bolster guide columns above said spring supporting portion of the tension member, said bridge wall being formed as two webs united at the top by a substantially horizontal web portion, the webs of said bridge wall adjacent said bolster'guide columns curving outwardly around the adjacent springs to increase the strength of said wall where it joins with the bolster guide columns.

9. In a car truck, in combination, a side frame formed with compression and tension members spaced at intermediate portions thereof by bolster columns leaving a bolster opening therebetween, the tensionmember, beneath the bolster opening, being formed with a spring seating portion and a longitudinally extending upright web joining the lower portions of the bolster columns and dividing the spring seating portion, said web serving to strengthen the frame and being of such a height as to limit downward movement of the bolster and prevent the springs from going solid, a bolster associated with said frame and adapted for direct insertion into the bolster opening above the web, and removable means associated with said web for retaining said bolster in place.

10. In a car truck, in combination, a side frame formed with a compression member, a tension member, struts interposed therebetween and spaced to leave a bolster opening, a bridge wall connecting said struts below the bolster opening, that portion of the tension member, below the bolster opening on opposite sides of the bridge wall, being adapted for supporting bolster springs, bolster springs supported on said portions of the tension member, a bolster supported thereabove by means of said bolster springs, said bolster being of such a size that it is freely insertable between the struts, and keys inserted through slots in the struts, supported on the bridge wall, and engaging in corresponding notches in the bolster to lock said bolster in place.

11. In a car truck, in combination, a side frame formed with a compression member, a tension member, struts interposed therebetween and spaced to leave a bolster opening, a bridge wall connecting said struts below the bolster opening, bolster springs supported on portions of the tension member on opposite sides of the bridge wall beneath the bolster opening, a bolster supported by means of said bolster springs, said bolster being freely insertable between the struts and formed with notches adjacent said struts columns comprisin when in position, lockin blocks engaging the bridge wall and inserta le through slots in said struts into said notches to provide means for locking the bolster in place while permitting vertical movement thereof, and means for holding said locking blocks in the desired position. a

12. In a car truck, in combination, a side frame formed with a compression member, a tension member, struts interposed therebetween and spaced to leave a bolster opening, a bridge wall connecting said struts below the bolster opening, bolster springs supported on said tension member on opposite sides of the bridge wall, a spring plate positioned above said springs, a bolster supported on said sprin plate and adapted for being held at an ad usted height by means of a simple block shim between said spring plate and bolster, and means for holding said bolster in assembled relation with respect to said frame comprising keys insertable longitudinally of the frame above the bridge wall between spaced portions of the struts, said struts and keys be ing formed with apertures which register when said keys are in position, whereby retaining means may be inserted in said apertures for holding said keys in position.

13. A side frame comprising a compression member, a tension member comprising a horizontal web and depending vertical webs, columns interposed therebetween and with straight bolster guide walls spaced to leave a bolster opening, a bridge wall upstanding from said horizontal web and connecting said bolster guide columns beneath said bolster opening, those portions of the tension member, on opposite sides of said bridge wall, being laterally widened for supporting bolster springs, the edges of said spring supporting portions being formed with relatively low upstanding flanges extending longitudinally for the major ortion of their length, curving inwardly, a jacent their ends, to serve as retaining means for the associated springs, flaring upwardly, and finally merging with the bolster guide walls.

14. A side frame comprising a compression member, a tension member, bolster guide columns positioned therebetween and spaced to leave a bolster opening, each of said bolster a plurality of portions transversely space to leave a longitudinal aperture therebetween, a longitudinal bridge wall joining each of said spaced portions of the bolster guide columns, the tops of said walls being connected by a transverse web which is continued to serve for connecting the spaced portions of the bolster guide columns, said web being adapted to serve for supporting a bolster locking key positioned between the spaced portions of said bolster guide columns.

15. A side frame comprising a compres: sion member, a tension member, bolster guide columns interposed therebetween and spaced to leave a bolster opening, and a pair of webs connecting said columns below said bolster opening, said webs being relatively closely spaced adjacent their ends to leave room for bolster springs between said webs and the edges of the tension member, intermediate portions of said webs being more widely spaced to provide room therebetween for an intermediate bolster spring.

16. In combination, a side frame with bolster guide columns having longitudinallyopenmg, normally vertical slots, a bolster with an end formed with notches registering with the column slots, a spring cap with corresponding notches, locking means for holdrelation with respect to said frame comprising rectangular locking keys in the column slots with their inner ends received in the notches in the bolster and cap and retaining means insertable through registering aper tures in said columns and keys.

17. A side frame comprising a compression member, atensionmember,=bolster-guide columns interposed between said compression and tension members and spaced to leave a Window opening therebetween, those portions of the tension member, beyond the bolster guide columns, extending diagonally upward and outward to join the compression member adjacent the ends thereof, and a girder connecting the lower portions of said bolster guide columns, said girder being formed as a plurality of walls extending longitudinally of the frame and joined at their top edges by a substantially horizontal web portion.

18. In a car truck, in combination, a side frame formed with compression and tension members spaced at intermediate portions thereof by bolster columns leaving a bolster opening therebetween, the tension member, beneath the bolster opening, being formed with a spring seating portion and a longitudinally extending upright web joining the lower portions of the bolster columns and dividing the spring seating portion, a bolster associated with said frame and adapted for direct insertion into the bolster opening above the web, and removable means associated with said web for retaining said bolster in place.

19. In a car truck, the combination of side frames, a bolster and a spring plank, each side frame having a central opening with vertical guide columns at the sides thereof adapted to receive an end of the bolster therebetween, and a web extending from side to side of said opening and reinforcing the columns, and springs arranged on either side of the web supported in the side frame and supporting the bolster, the web also acting to take up oversolid blows from the bolster and thereby protect the springs.

20. In a car truck, the combination of side ing said bolster and spring cap in assembled formed with an outwardly opening notch at the ends, and side flanges, sald plank having adjacent each end thereof, portions wider than the balance of the plank, said side flanges being of reduced height adjacent the end portions.

In testimony whereof I aflix my si nature.

WILLARD F. RIGHA DS. 

